Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
239. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken by his Department to ensure the remediation of developer provided infrastructure for water and wastewater services, particularly in rural areas where no wastewater treatment plants currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of housing estates across the country, particularly in rural areas without wastewater treatment plants, that rely on Developer Provided Infrastructure (DPI) for water and wastewater services and which are not currently connected to the Uisce Éireann network or taken in charge.
Since 1 January 2024, Uisce Éireann, as the national water authority, is responsible for the progressive remediation and resolution of DPI infrastructure nationally. This represents an important change, providing a single, coordinated national approach to addressing complex and long-standing legacy issues and ensuring greater consistency in how such cases are managed.
The process involves Uisce Éireann, working with local authorities, identifying DPI locations and prioritising them on a risk-based basis, taking account of public health, environmental compliance, and service reliability. Uisce Éireann carries out technical and environmental assessments and determines the most appropriate resolution option in each case. This may include remediation works to bring infrastructure up to the required standard, connection to the public network where feasible, or other site-specific solutions. Once remediated, infrastructure can be transferred into Uisce Éireann’s ownership and long-term operation.
It is not intended that Uisce Éireann immediately take over the day-to-day operation of DPI installations. Existing interim operating and maintenance arrangements remain in place until remediation and formal transfer can be completed. Given the scale, condition, and complexity of DPI infrastructure nationally, resolution will necessarily be phased over time.
My Department continues to engage closely with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to oversee progress and support the delivery of this programme.
